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Santa Ray spreads joy Raymond Gregory Thorp has been working hard to ensure there’s no shortage of Christmas cheer in Melton this year, whether it’s volunteer Santa work, his intricate miniature village, toy-building or fielding letters to Santa, he said he “does it all for the kids”. Mr Thorp’s Christmas resume is long and broad - this year, he has set up his Christmas Village, which he estimates its worth more than $30,000, and takes about three days to build with help form other residents at Ingenia Gardens, where he lives. On top of this, Mr Thorp hand-crafts wooden blocks and small chairs as gifts for kids, answers letter to ‘Santa Ray’ and has filled in for the big-man at various places including Scout clubs, Bunnings, Ingenia Gardens and shopping centres. “Santa work is hard work but I enjoy it very much,” he said. Letters to Santa Ray can also be placed in the mailbox outside the Ingenia Gardens community room or posted to: Santa Ray, 67/23 Coburns Road, Brookfield Vic, 3338. Santa with 3-year-old Harlow. (Damjan Janevski) 378195_02

Plaza plan in ‘jeopardy’ By Liam McNally A failed funding application for the civic plaza at the future Ballan Library and Community Precinct may see that portion of the project delayed or altered. The new $7.5 million Ballan Library and Community Hub is one of Moorabool council’s flagship infrastructure projects and is planned to include a modern library, community meeting rooms, visitor information, a Maternal and Child Health Centre and an outdoor space. The library portion of the project was due to commence mid-year, however design delays and the volatility in the construction market

pushed the tender date back. The tender is open until January 31, with council expecting work to begin in May 2024. In a new blow to the project, a federal funding application for the outdoor plaza, which is to be tendered separately, has been rejected. Council applied for $851,000 from the federal government’s Growing Regions Program to fund the outdoor plaza with courtyard seating and gardens. The other sections of the library precinct project are being funded with $5 million in state government funding and $2.5 million from council. Mayor Ally Munari said the lack of funding

could mean the plaza component of the project may be delayed or not proceed as originally envisaged. “It’s so disappointing the plaza component of the project is in jeopardy,” she said. “The civic plaza is a place for the community to gather and a connection point to the other components of the precinct- the library, Maternal and Child Health Centre, exhibition spaces and community rooms. “If you look across the shire, we have attracted a lot of state government funding for our projects and we continue to struggle to secure federal government for our major projects. “To continue to deliver on much needed

infrastructure we will need both levels of government to contribute to allow us to meet the needs of our current and future communities.” A Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts spokesperson said round one of the Growing Regions Program had received a large number of expressions of interest (EOIs) seeking funding worth significantly more than what is available. “Unfortunately, this means not all projects can be funded,” they said. “Round Two of the program will open for expressions of interest in 2024.”

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Buses needed for ‘isolated’ west By Liam McNally A faster, fairer and better-connected bus network is needed for Melbourne, especially in “under-serviced outer growth areas”, according to new research from the state’s independent infrastructure adviser. Infrastructure Victoria released a report on Wednesday on the state of Melbourne’s bus network, and made 10 recommendations to the state government – beginning with increasing the frequency of bus services in outer and growth area suburbs. The report said Melton has demonstrated the need for local bus reform after all services within the municipality experienced patronage declines despite its growing

population. Infrastructure Victoria acting chief executive officer Dr Allison Stewart said Melbourne’s growth suburbs need good public transport now and buses are the best way to deliver it. “Unless they live in areas near train and tram corridors, most Melburnians must rely on a slow and patchy bus network. Average wait times for buses are about 40 minutes during a typical weekday and 50 minutes on Sundays,” she said. “Faster and more frequent bus services, longer operating hours, and routes which better connect to train stations and activity centres can give more people access to good public transport, reduce traffic congestion,

and cut Victoria’s transport emissions.” Friends of the Earth Melbourne campaigns coordinator Chloe Aldenhoven, who recently spearheaded the Better Buses campaign, welcomed the report. “This research shows that if there’s a better bus system, Melbournians will use it. But more importantly, that fast growing outer suburbs like those in the West are desperately under-served and need better buses now,” she said. “Many households in Melbourne’s west have to spend thousands on multiple cars or taxis and Ubers, or otherwise just get stuck at home. It’s a cost of living issue, it’s a social isolation issue, it’s an equity issue. “The west is getting increasingly isolated,

Taking Miss Galaxy centre stage

and desperate. We need Victorian Labor’s leadership team to take this report seriously, and to start by implementing fast, frequent and direct bus services across Melbourne’s western suburbs.” According to the state government, 200 bus routes have either been improved or added to Victoria’s bus network since the launch of Victoria’s Bus Plan in July 2021, including new school bus services linking Rockbank and Aintree to Springside West Secondary College and 60 extra services per week were added to the Caroline Springs to Highpoint route. A spokesperson said the government welcomes the research conducted by Infrastructure Victoria.

Plan ahead when it’s hot

Hillside’s Nicole Missios has been propelled into the national spotlight as a finalist for the coveted title of Miss Galaxy Australia. With her eyes set on the crown, the 22-year-old is gearing up for the national finals set to unfold in Sydney early May. Ms Missios’ journey began when she stumbled upon the opportunity on her Instagram feed, and decided to take a leap and apply for the pageant in 2022. To her surprise, she not only secured a spot but also found a community of friends, turning her into a returning contender for the third consecutive year. “I love being able to build up my confidence, meet new people, and be the best version of myself. Each time I return, I find new ways to grow and improve,” she said. The competition covers five sections including, photogenic, interview, swimwear, evening gown and fashionwear. Throughout the week-long event, contestants engage in a whirlwind of activities, including photoshoots, workshops, public appearances, and charity fundraising. Behind the scenes, Ms Missios dedicates herself to rigorous daily practice alongside her pageant coach. Together, they fine-tune routines, conduct interview simulations and meticulously curate her image for the week, ensuring every outfit and presentation reflects the most extraordinary version of herself. “The biggest challenge is the length of the week. You don’t realise how much you’ve accomplished by the second and third day. It’s always important to keep pushing through, and remind yourself why you’re there and how much it involves, and being proud of yourself,” Nicole said. “I’m looking forward to going back, meeting new people, and reuniting with old friends.”

Commuters using V/Line trains are encouraged to check the website and familiarise themselves with extreme heat timetables, which will provide greater certainty around planning travel on very hot days. Extra precautions are taken on extreme heat days to help ensure V/ Line train services run smoothly and passengers get to their destinations safely. V/Line chief executive Matt Carrick said heat speed restrictions were enforced on the regional network when the temperature was forecast to reach 36 degrees or above due to the steel tracks expanding in the heat. “On these days, some services will run at slower speeds or may be replaced by coaches for all or part of the journey,” Mr Carrick said. “Extreme heat timetables are available to give V/Line passengers the opportunity to plan their trip with confidence on really hot days, when temperatures reach 36 degrees or above. “These timetables can be easily accessed from the V/Line website and we will be working hard to minimise disruptions on days of extreme heat to provide a safe and reliable service for passengers.” V/Line will have extra crews on standby to respond to any incidents as quickly as possible on days of extreme heat to help minimise disruptions for passengers.

Miss Galaxy Australia national finalist Nicole Missios. (Damjan Janevski) 377875_01

Crime Stoppers Victoria is partnering with Victoria Police to remind people, including those in Melton and Moorabool, to consider the consequences of their actions, in a bid to prevent potential bush fires this summer. The new, ‘You Light It, You Own It’ campaign reminds Victorians to exercise caution to avoid starting reckless or accidental fires. This campaign follows the recent launch of Operation Safeguard—the annual police operation which aims to deter or reduce the impact of fires across Victoria. Advice from the Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council (AFAC) states Australians are being urged to prepare for a bushfire season similar to the 2019/20 Black Summer.

This follows a forecast of above average temperatures and below average rainfall for large parts of Australia. Crime Stoppers Victoria chief executive Stella Smith said, “we want Victorians to stop and think before their actions cause a fire this summer. “Bushfires can start from actions as simple as lighting a campfire or using farm machinery and power tools on a hot and windy day. “No one wants to be responsible for risking lives from an out-of-control fire, so we want to encourage people to make the right decisions.” Crime Statistics Agency data shows in the year ending June 2023, there were 29 offences recorded in Victoria for causing a bushfire.

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Werribee River turbidity trouble By Liam McNally Moorabool council has released an updated report into pollution in the Werribee River through Bacchus Marsh, however the Bacchus Marsh Platypus Alliance disagrees with some of its findings. Six months ago, Moorabool council released a report that investigated pollution entering the Werribee River through Bacchus Marsh from nearby development sites. The June report identified four sources of turbidity entering the river - removal of the southern rural channel, active construction sites, new house construction and existing sodic soils in the undeveloped land to the west of the Stonehill development. The new report, tabled at a council meeting

on December 6, provided an update on these issues. To deal with failures in environmental controls on developments, and pollution caused by private construction sites, council said it has been conducting daily inspections and weekly audits to ensure controls have been implemented. The report said a large portion of the Stonehill development and the adjacent undeveloped land to the west is covered by easily erodible sodic soils, and managing run-off during construction on these soils has been a “very difficult process”. However, since the stages immediately adjacent to the river have been completed there is now a buffer between the construction and the river.

The council report said in the last 6 months there have been “very few occasions when non-compliances have been observed”, and that all these measures have seen “turbidity significantly reduced”. “These have all been rectified within an appropriate timeframe as set out by council inspectors,” it said. Bacchus Marsh Platypus Alliance president Dr Jodie Valpied, who was involved in originally recording and reporting high levels of pollution on the river, disagrees with some of council’s findings. Dr Valpied said that in BMPA’s view, run-off from development sites is the biggest cause of turbidity, and in the past six months BMPA is still observing alleged non-compliance issues. “It is unclear why council officers only

observed these non-compliances on ‘very few occasions’... issues have remained un-rectified for multiple months, and many are still not rectified,” she said. An EPA spokesperson said the EPA is continuing to work with council and authorities to improve water quality in the Werribee River and restrict the discharge of sediment that has proved a problem in the past. “We meet with council to review and consider actions that will achieve that goal and have actively engaged with industries that impact the river,” they said. “The health of the river has improved but we still require anyone whose activities can impact on the river to act to ensure its water quality is maintained.”

Castle jousts with the best

Brett and Amy Greenland with their 5-year-old son Caleb preparing their lights. (Damjan Janevski) 377818_03

Melrome Court lights up for Jonah Kurunjang’s biggest residential Christmas light show is back this year to raise even more money for the Very Special Kids Foundation. The Greenland family has been lighting up Melrome Court since 2018 to raise money for the holistic palliative care charity, which helped them get through the tragic death of their son Jonah. The house first lit up on December 9, and from Friday, December 15, the extravagant lighting show will be complemented by nightly visits from beloved characters such as Bluey and Bingo, the Paw Patrol and Mickey and Minnie Mouse. The Greenlands said there’s also some new

surprises in store that they’re keeping under wraps for now. The performances build to a grand finale on Christmas Eve when the Melton CFA will give Santa a ride into the court. The shows raised more than $5,000 last year, and this year the Greenlands have set a $6,000 target. Brett Greenland said his family is excited about this year’s display. “It gives us a massive chance to honour the story of our little angel in heaven, Jonah, as well as raising much needed awareness for Very Special Kids,” he said. “Without their assistance, my family,

along with countless others, would not have the ongoing support that is crucial during challenging times. “Grief is a complex and individual experience, particularly when a child is involved. Navigating through it is a daunting task, and even as the world moves forward, the sense of loss remains constant.” Mr Greenland thanked the community for their support - including donors, volunteers, neighbours and West Traffic who ensure the event is run safely. Details: https://vsk.grassrootz.com/melcomelight-show-2023

Moorabool’s medieval theme park Kryal Castle has been crowned the second best tourist attraction in Victoria. The Victorian Tourism Awards are hosted annually by the Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) and Kryal Castle won silver in the 2023 Tourist Attractions category. Marketing director Chantelle Taylor said the award honoured the whole team. “Receiving Silver for Best Tourist Attraction at the VTIC Victorian Tourism Awards is a celebration of our unique experiences at Kryal Castle and a tribute to our dedicated staff’s tireless efforts in creating unforgettable memories for our guests,“ she said. “This award belongs to everyone who has been part of the Kryal Castle journey – our team, the community, and visitors exploring the magic of Kryal.“ Gold was awarded to Ballarat Wildlife park. Tourism Midwest Victoria, a body that represents Moorabool and Ballarat, also had its sustainable destination development officer Madeleine Sawyer take out the Young Achiever’s Award. The award recognises an individual working in the tourism industry and their contribution to the development of a vibrant and professional tourism industry. Tourism Midwest Victoria Chair John Pandazopoulos congratulated the local winners. “Congratulations to the teams at the Ballarat Wildlife Park and Kryal Castle, your passion and innovation play an important role in attracting visitors to our region,“ he said. “The future of our industry is in good hands with clever and motivated people like Madeleine guiding the way.”

V/Line strike looms causing chaos for country travellers Melton and Moorabool commuters are being warned to brace for disruptions to the V/Line network next Wednesday as workers plan to walk off the job. The Rail, Train and Bus Union (RTBU) notified V/Line of its intention to take industrial action involving a full network closure between 3-7am on Wednesday, December 13. V/Line said it is currently working to finalise a plan for replacement coaches and will notify passengers of these plans as soon as possible.

The industrial action will affect commuters across the network including the Ballarat and Geelong lines. RTBU branch secretary Vik Sharma said the union is focused on minimising the impacts of industrial action on the travelling public, but make no apologies in their fight to secure decent conditions for members. “Members are fighting for what all workers across Victoria deserve – job security and decent conditions,“ he said. “V/Line needs to stop blindly driving this corporate cowboys’ train and listen to its

6 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 December, 2023

workers,“ Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) spokesperson Daniel Bowen said while the strike action will only last four hours, it is likely there will be disruptions throughout the rest of the morning as crews and trains will be out of position when services resume “The stop work will have big impacts for residents in Melbourne’s west, given some areas such as Wyndham Vale, Tarneit, Caroline Springs and Deer Park rely on V/ Line for their suburban train service,” he said. V/Line chief executive officer Matt Carrick

said the organisation has been negotiating with employee representatives and the union in good faith and urge the union to reconsider industrial action which could potentially disrupt tens of thousands of passengers. “We will work hard to minimise the impacts of disruption on passengers,“ he said. Information about service changes will be published on the V/Line website, mobile app and social media, with commuters urged to check for updates before travel. Liam McNally

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Body found Police are investigating the death of a man in Melton on Monday, December 4. The man, who is yet to be formally identified, was located deceased in a park near Reserve Road just after 5am. Police will await the results of a post mortem to determine the man’s cause of death. An investigation into the man’s death remains ongoing.

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Further works are required during December as part of the intersection upgrade at Bridge Road and Ferris Road. To complete these works, the road closure will be extended until December 21.Traffic detours remain the same and council will update its website with progress. The weather forecast is predicting further rain which may impact these works.

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High Street road works

Commander David Clancy and Lieutenant Graeme Bisby. (Supplied)

50 years with the CFA

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A Mount Cottrell CFA volunteer has been recognised for 50 years of protecting Victorians from disaster. Lieutenant Graeme Bisby was recently presented with a 50 year service award signifying half of a century spent volunteering at the Country Fire Authority. Lieutenant Bisby has served as 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 6th Lieutenant at Werribee Fire Brigade and held the positions of Group Officer and a number of Deputy Group Officer positions at the Mt Cottrell Group of Brigades. Lieutenant Bisby has previously been awarded a CFA Life Member award. His new recognition was cemented in front

of his peers as a part of the CFA District 14 Headquarters Brigade awards. CFA District 14 Mt Cottrell Group Commander David Clancy presented the award and commended Lieutenant Bisby for his service. “Graeme is the epitome of the CFA’s values and has assisted Brigades in their development and sustainability during his various roles,” he said. “As part of CFA’s peer-mentor program for new Captains Graeme stepped up to the mark and undertook the role of mentor assisting new officers in developing the skills required to manage a fire brigade and emergencies,” he said.

VicRoads is undertaking minor road widening works at the intersection of High Street and Holland Drive to cater for turning heavy vehicles before begin works at the High Street and Norton Drive intersection. Works are expected to be completed in February, 2024. Disruptions may include lane closures, pedestrian crossing closures, High Street service lane closures and bus stop 1403 at the corner of High Street and Holland Drive will be relocated approximately 20m west on High St. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

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Council considers snake removal By Liam McNally Moorabool councillors have asked for a report to decide if providing a council-run snake removal service is feasible. Moorabool councillor Rod Ward moved a motion at a council meeting on December 6 for officers to prepare a report into the cost and options for a snake catching trial in the summer of 2024-25. “Moorabool Shire Council is the only municipality in Australia that has red bellied black snakes, eastern brown snakes, eastern

tiger snakes and copperheads, all of which are highly venomous,” he said. “Housing estates are increasingly....... encroaching into areas that were traditionally safe habitat for snakes, and it’s led to increased snake sightings… and a growing list of snake bites. “Given a couple of well-publicised incidents recently where there was death at Nullawil of a young man who was bitten by a king brown, there was death of a 60 year old man bitten at a school reunion and there was two dogs recently bitten and who died at Taylors Lakes. “People are under increasing cost of living

pressures. Household budgets are very, very tight, and we’ve got a large number of residents in some areas of the council, in particular East Moorabool, that don’t have experience in handling snakes or avoiding snakes and with council not currently providing a snake removal service, people may be forced to take matters into their own hands exposing the high risk.” Nearby councils that have a free snake removal service include Hume, Melton, Brimbank and Hobsons Bay. Some councillors opposed the motion on

the grounds that it would be a service that only residents in the built-up areas would use. Councillor Tonia Dudzik said that in a rural shire, residents should expect snakes. “Normally if there’s a snake you wait for the snake to move on, and if you don’t harass a snake, it doesn’t normally harass you,” she said. “What’s going to be next? Are we going to have a bee removal service, a wasp removal service, possum removal service?” Councillor Sullivan agreed with Cr Dudzik. “Not everyone would use this service but everyone will pay for it,” he said.

New college building

Dr Elena Litovski and her 15-year-old son, Ivan. (Damjan Janevski) 376602_02

Son goes online to help cancer fight A Long Forest teenager has set up a gofundme and is calling on the community to aid his doctor mother in her own health battle. Elena Litovski is a general practitioner of 15 years who until recently worked in Tarneit. Two years ago she was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive metastatic eye cancer, uveal melanoma. The mother of three said her treatment options are limited and aren’t all available in Victoria. Dr Litovski has already traveled to the US for a procedure to save her eye, her immunotherapy is only partially covered by her insurance, and

she hopes to continue hyperthermia treatment in Queensland. “In total, I spend about $100,000 a year on treatment,” she said. “While I could work, I paid for it myself… the therapy I’m doing now has many side effects and my health does not allow me to go to work.” Dr Litovski said it’s her family that has kept her fighting her illness. “It is a difficult physical and psychological state when you are sick with such a serious fatal disease,” she said. “On the one hand, it’s hard, of course, when

you have small children. On the other hand, there is someone to live and fight for. “ It was one of her children, 15-year-old Ivan, who also stepped up to fight for his mum. He first tried to save his own money to help pay for her treatment, contributing $100, before turning to the internet to start a gofundme, which has already reached $16,000 of its $100,000 goal. “I love my mother very much and I want her to be around us,” he said. Details: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ jh4g7a-a-beacon-of-hope-dr-elenas-battleagainst-cancer

Djerriwarrh Community College has a new building on the way thanks to a $3 million federal grant. Students and teachers will soon see the construction of a new school building including five general learning areas, meeting rooms, four tutorial rooms and a multipurpose outdoor court. Djerriwarrh Community College is a school that delivers an applied learning program to meet the literacy, numeracy, work related and personal development needs of young people aged 15-19 in Melton who are unable to participate in mainstream schooling. Djerriwarrh Community College Principal Amy Farrell said Djerriwarrh Community College staff are dedicated to meeting the individual needs of each student. “This building will allow staff to personalise learning environments, provide therapy spaces and promote wrap around support services,” she said. On a visit to the school on December 5, federal Hawke MP Sam Rae said the investment would give the school the facilities it needs to make sure each student has the opportunity to reach their full potential. “This $3 million investment will be a game-changer for local students, delivering much-needed funding for Djerriwarrh Community College to upgrade infrastructure and equipment,” he said.

Djerriwarrh Community College principal Amy Farrell with staff Amy Abdullah, Sween Sharma, Josh Van Den Berg, Paula Reynolds, Shanida Yasmeen, Grace Myers and Marianne Santos. (Damjan Janevski) 377935

Woman prosecuted for ‘disturbing’ animal cruelty The RSPCA has successfully prosecuted a Melton woman for animal cruelty after her dogs were starved over a prolonged period. In 2022, RSPCA Victoria received a report from a community member about an underweight dog on the woman’s property. Despite RSPCA inspectors attending on numerous occasions, and providing feeding and parasite control advice and various instructions to the woman, the three dogs were subsequently seized by inspectors. For one of the dogs it was too late, it had already died. University of Melbourne veterinary clinic’s

Dr Yuchi Chen said the deceased dog suffered for an extended period, with a post-mortem examination confirming severe emaciation and malnutrition. “If the dog was initially a reasonable body weight, then we could assume that with a moderate degree of caloric restriction, it would take at least several weeks to reach the poor body condition in which it was presented for necropsy,“ he said. Magistrate Kay Robertson stated she found the circumstances and offending to be disturbing and the Melton woman was found

8 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 December, 2023

guilty of several charges including aggravated animal cruelty, unreasonably failing to provide veterinary or other appropriate attention or treatment to animals, failing to provide the animals with proper and sufficient food and breach of a notice to comply. RSPCA Victoria was granted costs and secured a five-year disqualification order against the woman owning or being the person in charge of any animals. She was also fined and convicted. RSPCA Victoria inspectorate south west region team leader Belinda Dent said this case

was another example of preventable animal cruelty. “Our inspectors across the state regularly see animals like these dogs that require basic care, such as food and parasite control,” she said. “People in charge of any animal must ensure they are aware of their legal obligations to provide proper food, water, shelter and veterinary treatment and prevent this type of suffering.” Anyone with concerns about the welfare of animals can make a report to RSPCA, at rspcavic.org/cruelty-report/ or 03 9224 2222.

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Deeming takes Pesutto action By Liam McNally with William Ton, AAP Former Liberal MP Moira Deeming has launched defamation action against Victorian opposition leader John Pesutto. Mrs Deeming’s lawyers on Tuesday filed a statement of claim against her former boss in the Federal Court. The Western Metropolitan MP and former Melton councillor was expelled from the parliamentary Liberal Party after taking part in a rally in March that was gatecrashed by a

group of masked men who performed Nazi salutes. The rally, Let Women Speak, was hosted by UK anti-trans campaigner Kelly-Jay Keen-Minshull, along with Ms Deeming, Angie Jones, and Katherine Deves. The event on the steps of Parliament sparked counter-protests and required a heavy police presence. About 30 members of the neo-Nazi group the National Socialist Network attended the protests, repeatedly performing the nazi-salute with their faces covered.

At the time, Ms Deeming condemned the Neo-Nazi presence after the event, but Mr Pesutto said in a statement his primary concern was Ms Deeming associating with Ms Keen-Minshull, who he accused of having connections with far-right extremists including Neo-Nazis. Ms Deeming was first suspended from the Liberal party, but was expelled in May after issuing a defamation concerns notice to the party leader. Ms Deeming issued several defamation concerns notices to Mr Pesutto, alleging he publicly accused her of being a Nazi

sympathiser and used the claim to bully and threaten her with expulsion. Mr Pesutto denies he accused the now-independent MP of being a Nazi or having Nazi sympathies. Attempted mediation failed after Mrs Deeming sought an exoneration from Mr Pesutto, financial restoration and her return to the party room. Mrs Deeming and Mr Pesutto have committed not to use party funds to fund their legal cases, with Mr Pesutto saying he will pay his legal costs if he must.

Centre is a better place and Learning Hub. This project was supported by a $110,000 grant from the Victorian government. Mayor Majdlik said Changing Places makes sure everyone has facilities that give them dignity and support. “This wonderful new space is one of many projects Council has delivered in partnership with the Victorian Government. It is designed to provide access to people with a disability, and ensure they can attend,and participate in, community activities,” she said. “More than 326,000 Victorians rely on Changing Places toilets and Council is proud to have today opened the fourth in our community. “The City of Melton is a vibrant, safe and liveable community that celebrates diversity and is inclusive for everyone living with a disability.”

(Back) Melton council Disability Advisory Committee (DAC) community representative Hayley Sayers, Cr Lara Carli DAC Service Provider Representative Monica Sidhu and Community Care and Active Living manager Coral Crameri. (Front) DAC community representative Linda Campbell, Melton mayor Kathy Majdlik, Community Wellbeing and Inclusion acting director Nicole Migani-Robert and chief executive Roslyn Wai. (Supplied)

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A new Changing Places accessible changing facility has been opened at Caroline Springs Leisure Centre. Coinciding with International Day of People with Disability, which is observed around the globe on December 3, Melton mayor Cr Kathy Majdlik officially launched the new facility. The $280,000 upgrade will help people with high support needs by providing a welcoming and inclusive place to change and use the bathroom. Changing Places facilities are larger than standard toilets and feature a height adjustable, adult-sized changing bench, a tracking hoist system and space for two people either side of the toilet. They meet strict design standards and are a key part of Universal Design Principles. It is the fourth Changing Place to arrive in Melton, with others at Melton Waves, Cobblebank Stadium and the Melton Library

Tuesday, 12 December, 2023 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 9

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Be prepared for tumbleweeds Some properties in Melton could be affected by tumbleweeds in the coming weeks. Residents may recall how strong winds swept dried weeds into people’s yards and onto roads in parts of Aintree, Eynesbury and Hillside in late 2020 and 2021. Melton council is warning residents that as drier, warmer days become more frequent, a similar tumbleweed event may occur in December and January. Council said the weeds that may cause this issue would come from larger private properties with substantial overgrowth and

are not from council reserves. Council said is has been working with private property owners to help ensure they complete works to control weeds like serrated tussock on their properties and reduce the likelihood of such an event. Melton mayor Kathy Majdlik said “We have been working diligently with property owners to get their properties cleared of weeds and we are doing everything we can to help minimise any tumbleweed event”. “If there is a significant tumbleweed storm, council has a range of solutions in place to

provide support with the clean-up.’’ Subject to the scale of the tumbleweed storm, council will provide a range of services to assist residents. The scale of council’s assistance will be determined by an Emergency Response Team. Assistance that may include the removal of road hazards, additional waste collection in affected areas or free drop offs of the seed material at Melton Recycling Facility. In the case of a large-scale event that affects more than 30 properties within a suburb/ locality, council may deploy a specialist

vacuum truck to assist with tumbleweed removal. To assist with the clean-up, residents can place bagged tumbleweed material in their gneral wste (red) bin. For notification of council’s response to a tumbleweed event and assistance that is being provided, updates can be found online or by contacting customer service. Details: www.melton.vic.gov.au/tumbleweeds or 9747 7200.

Funds for sports stars

Lily-May (4), Zarlie (12), Max (8), and Jake (6) are excited for the Christmas festival. (Liam McNally) 312017_01

Bacchus Christmas festival is back The Bacchus Marsh Christmas festival is back for its 9th year on December 16. This year the festival is full of great community activities and a full showcase of community talent. There’ll be a large market space, kids’ rides, a free gingerbread workshop, face painting, free kids’ craft zone and a chance to meet Santa. The carols by candlelight will start at 7pm and the night will end with a bang with the show-stopper fireworks display.

Emma Dwyer from Webb’s Event Group said the event will have a traditional feel with entertainment on stage all day. “From the carnival rides and sideshows for all ages to our amazing market alley with over 90 vendors with 25 per cent of them being local and surrounds,” she said. “The food park will have festive feasts for all or simply bring your traditional picnic from home. “Don’t forget to get online and book into the free gingerbread man workshop. It has limited

space don’t delay. “It is still top secret who our special guest will be this year but do watch out on the Facebook page for hints. “The Bacchus Marsh carols has been a traditional family event for many years and we love watching families come back. We hope to keep this tradition for generations to come.” The Bacchus Marsh Christmas Festival will take place from 1pm to 9pm at Maddingley Park on December 16.

Staughton College, Melton West Primary School and Kurunjang Secondary College are all receiving $30,000 to foster their future sports stars. The funding comes from the state government’s Active Schools grants which are available to schools to help them get local students physically active. Up to 500 schools in disadvantaged communities have shared in almost $20 million in Active Schools Grants and funding boosts since the initiative was launched in 2021. Schools have previously used their Active Schools funding to upskill PE teachers, purchase sports and fitness equipment, implement programs such as bicycle education, circus and dance, build outdoor learning spaces, make upgrades to playgrounds, install sensory play areas and cover costs associated with sports and physical activities. Education Minister Ben Carroll said the government is thrilled to celebrate Active Schools funding recipients and congratulate the successful schools involved for their contributions to keeping young Victorians active, healthy and engaged. “Even 15 minutes of physical activity can be all it takes to boost the overall wellbeing of our children, which can help improve how students learn – that’s why we’re keeping our students active at school,” he said. Melton MP Steve McGhie said the Active Schools Program is a fabulous way to help young people find an activity they love.

Connect with your community by becoming a volunteer The number of volunteers in Melbourne’s west is declining according to Volunteer West, and following International Volunteer Day on December 5 they’re encouraging people to see what community organisations could use a hand. Volunteer West is a division of Australian Multicultural Community Services that acts as a volunteer resource centre. Volunteer numbers dropped five per cent from 2019 to 2020 according to ABS data. Volunteer West project officer Jack Fawcett said numbers in the west are still lower than pre-COVID, and people are generally opting for more casual roles than long-term commitments.

“Overall, there’s been a downturn,” he said. “People are a lot more time poor… Everybody’s worrying about getting their mortgage paid and that means that they have less time for themselves and more time they need work.” Despite this, Mr Fawcett said there are still pockets of positivity with people fueled by the want for reconnection post-lockdowns. One example he pointed to was the stong volunteer culture at Plumpton’s Dal Baba Bidhi Chand Ji Khalsa Shaouni Sikh Temple. “The west is a super diverse part of Melbourne and there are these amazing groups of communities that are really resilient and work well together,” he said.

10 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 December, 2023

Mr Fawcett said groups across the west he’s seen that could benefit from volunteers include the Friends of the Melton Botanic Gardens, Caroline Chisholm Society, Women and Mentoring and Multiple Birth Volunteer Support. “I think volunteering is an amazing thing, what it can do for the community… whether you’re a regular volunteer, or you just do one-off little stints, you’re impact is huge,” he said. “It’s just a great way to connect with your community. There’s a lot of talk these days about how we’re becoming more isolated, we’re losing touch with, you know, our human side, our social side. This is an amazing

antidote for that. “You end up spending time with people you might not necessarily meet in your normal day to day life. I’m definitely better for my volunteering experiences. If you [want to] have a bit of a change in your life, volunteering is amazing way to do it.” Mr Fawcett said if you’d like to volunteer but aren’t sure where to start, you can contact Volunteer West for help finding roles you’re interested in. Details: https://www.volunteerwest.org.au/ Liam McNally

FEATURING ... HEALTHY LIVING

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Understanding sleep apnoea and potential solutions from collapsing, improving airflow. • Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be an option to remove or reshape tissues that are blocking the airway. Remember, sleep apnoea is a serious condition, but it can be effectively treated. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent serious health complications. If you suspect you may have sleep apnoea, talk to your doctor about getting a sleep study.

Sleep apnoea is a serious sleep disorder characterised by repeated pauses in breathing while you sleep. These pauses can last for several seconds to minutes and occur hundreds of times a night, disrupting your sleep and depriving your body of oxygen.

Types of Sleep Apnoea There are three main types of sleep apnoea: • Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA): This is the most common type which occurs when the muscles that support your tongue and soft palate relax during sleep, causing the airway to collapse and block the flow of air. • Central sleep apnoea (CSA): This type is less common and occurs when the brain doesn’t send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. • Mixed sleep apnoea: This type combines features of both obstructive and central sleep apnoea. Symptoms of Sleep Apnoea: Loud snoring; Gasping or choking sounds during sleep; Excessive daytime sleepiness; Fatigue and lack of energy; Morning headaches; Irritability and mood swings; Difficulty concentrating; Reduced sex drive. Health Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnoea: Untreated sleep apnoea can lead to serious health complications, including: High blood pressure; Heart disease; Stroke; Diabetes; Depression. Dentists can provide sleep specialists with valuable information about the patient’s oral health and any relevant medical history. Once diagnosed, dentists can play a role in monitoring the effectiveness of treatment, particularly when using oral appliances.

Dentist Role in Diagnosing Sleep Apnoea

Limitations of Dentist’s Role Diagnosis: While dentists can identify potential signs of sleep apnoea, they cannot officially diagnose the condition. This requires a sleep study performed by a sleep specialist. Treatment: Dentists can provide oral appliances as a treatment option for some patients with mild to moderate sleep apnoea. However, they cannot prescribe CPAP machines or other medical treatments.

Benefits of Dentist Involvement Early identification: By identifying potential patients early, dentists can help ensure timely diagnosis and treatment, preventing potential health complications. Accessibility: Dentists are often more accessible than sleep specialists, making it easier for patients to get screened and evaluated for sleep apnoea. Oral appliance therapy: For suitable patients, oral appliances offer a comfortable and effective

alternative to CPAP therapy. At Main Street Dental, the experienced dental professionals can provide patients with all sorts of snoring devices and splints. Please call the friendly team on 03 53 67 5355 to make an appointment.

Diagnosis and Treatment Sleep apnoea is diagnosed through a sleep study, which monitors your breathing, heart rate, and other vital signs while you sleep. Once diagnosed, treatment options may include: • Lifestyle changes: Losing weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol before bed can significantly improve sleep apnoea symptoms. • Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP): This is the most common treatment for sleep apnoea. CPAP uses a machine to deliver air pressure through a mask, keeping the airway open during sleep. • Oral appliances: These devices fit in your mouth and prevent the tongue and soft palate

While dentists cannot diagnose sleep apnoea themselves, they play a crucial role in identifying potential patients and facilitating the diagnosis process. Here’s an overview of their involvement. Identifying potential patients: Screening: During routine dental examinations, dentists can assess anatomical risk factors like a small upper airway, enlarged tonsils or tongue, and a narrow jaw. They can also ask patients about their sleep habits and snoring patterns. Dentist can see the grinding on your teeth and make an assessment that you may have hypoxia at night which is leading to the body to be in stress. One of the stress releasing mechanisms is grinding in your sleep. Questionnaires: Dentists can use validated questionnaires like the STOP-BANG or Epworth Sleepiness Scale to further assess the risk of sleep apnoea. Collaboration with other healthcare professionals: Dentists can collaborate with physicians and sleep specialists to identify patients who may benefit from a sleep study.

Facilitating the diagnosis process Referral to sleep specialists: If a dentist suspects sleep apnoea, they will refer the patient to a qualified sleep specialist for diagnosis.

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Tuesday, 12 December, 2023 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 11

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12 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 December, 2023

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NEWS

Heritage sites to be protected By Liam McNally Moorabool council has nominated five places of significance to be included on the Victorian Heritage Register. In the culmination of a decade of work, council has reviewed potential heritage places and precincts in the western portion of the municipality and identified 106 individual places and seven heritage precincts across Ballan, Blackwood, Bungaree, Gordon, Lal Lal, Millbrook, Mount Egerton and Wallace as meeting the threshold for inclusion within the heritage overlay.

Five of the places identified were recommended for nomination to the Victorian Heritage Register. The Hunterston homestead at Egerton Road, Ballan, has been put forward as one of the earliest and most intact homesteads within the municipality. Constructed from locally quarried freestone between in the1840s, for Tasmanian pastoralist William Patterson in the earliest days of the colony of Victoria. The former Police Quarters Courthouse at Clarendon Street, Blackwood has been nominated as a rare surviving example of buildings associated with 19th century law and

order in the Victorian goldfields. The Monterey Pine at Blackwood Cricket and Recreation Reserve has also been nominated, the specimen directly north of the entrance gates is of outstanding size, with an unusually large trunk diameter, form and height - the wider precinct has also been added to the local heritage overlay. The former London Bank of Australia, in Bungaree has also been suggested - it is an exemplar of the type of banking services offered in early 20th century rural Victoria by the London Bank of Australia, in this case, as part of the larger Ballarat East branch.

Lastly, the Former Police Residence and Lock Up Bungaree has been nominated as a rare example of a complex of rural police buildings in Victoria dating from the late 1850s and early 1860s. Councillor Rod Ward said the heritage review was an extraordinary piece of work and commended everyone involved in its preparation. “Years have gone into this work and I just think it’s an absolutely outstanding piece of work that’s going to protect the history and the heritage of Moorabool Shire Council,” he said.

Students serve up an ace In a thrilling display of skill and teamwork, the young athletes at Southern Cross Grammar have emerged victorious at the Victorian Volleyball State Championships. The talented squad, comprising determined year 6 students, showcased exceptional sportsmanship and dedication throughout the competition. The students’ coach Dean Galea said the school community is beaming with pride at the team’s achievements with plans to celebrate the squad with a guard of honour at the upcoming school assembly. Their secret to success? Tireless hours of practise during lunch time, PE class and after school, where they stayed committed to getting better each week. “It was a really tough competition, which started off in local divisions, then district league and then the regional state competition before finally heading to the state championships,”

Galea said. “At one stage the girls had won 18 games in a row from the first bit of play, they were so committed and each put in an incredible amount of training.” Galea said most of the girls had not played competitive volleyball before but are now keen on pursuing it after their dream run at the state championships. “The state finals really felt like grand final day, they started off a little nervous but kicked into gear,” he said. “At the end of the state finals once they did win … they all broke down in tears and it got me a little emotional. They had a game plan and knew what they were doing, their hard work really paid off.” Hannah Hammoud Year 6 students from Southern Cross Grammar primary school took home the Victorian Volleyball State Championships. (Supplied)

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Tuesday, 12 December, 2023 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 13

DINING OUT

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Raise a glass: Wines to pair with festive flavours Australia is renowned for its diverse and exceptional wine regions, producing a wide array of wines that pair well with the festive flavours of Christmas. Here are some of the best wines to enjoy during the Christmas season in Australia: Sparkling Shiraz: A unique Australian specialty, sparkling Shiraz is a red sparkling wine made from the Shiraz grape. It’s a festive and celebratory choice with rich berry flavors, a hint of spice, and lively bubbles. It pairs well with a variety of Christmas dishes, making it a versatile option for the holiday table. Chardonnay: Australia produces outstanding Chardonnays, both oaked and unoaked, from regions like Margaret River, Adelaide Hills, and Yarra Valley. A well-balanced Chardonnay with notes of citrus, melon, and a touch of oak complexity can complement the flavors of roasted poultry, seafood, and creamy side dishes often enjoyed during Christmas meals. Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc Blend: This popular blend, often found in regions like Margaret River, creates a crisp and refreshing white wine. Semillon adds a textured palate, while Sauvignon Blanc contributes bright acidity and vibrant fruit flavors. This combination pairs well with seafood, salads, and lighter Christmas fare.

Valley, Australian Pinot Noir is known for its elegance and finesse. With flavors of red berries, earth, and subtle spice, Pinot Noir complements a variety of Christmas dishes, including turkey, ham, and roasted vegetables.

flavors, subtle spiciness, and a smooth texture. It pairs well with a variety of Christmas dishes, from glazed ham to barbecue fare. Look for Grenache from McLaren Vale or Barossa Valley for a full-bodied and flavourful experience.

Riesling: Riesling, particularly from regions like Clare Valley and Eden Valley, showcases vibrant acidity and citrusy notes. Its versatility makes it an excellent choice to pair with a range of dishes, from glazed ham to spicy prawns. An off-dry or slightly sweet Riesling can balance the richness of festive meals.

Cabernet Sauvignon: For those favouring red meat as the centerpiece of their Christmas feast, a robust Cabernet Sauvignon from regions like Coonawarra or Margaret River is an excellent choice. Expect bold black fruit flavours, firm tannins, and a hint of eucalyptus, making it a perfect match for hearty dishes like roast beef or lamb.

Prosecco or Australian Sparkling Wine: For those who prefer a lighter and more floral sparkling option, consider a Prosecco or an Australian Sparkling wine. These wines are perfect for toasting and pairing with canapes, seafood, or light appetizers.

Pinot Noir: Hailing from regions like Tasmania, Mornington Peninsula, and Yarra

Grenache: Grenache, often found in blends or as a single varietal, offers juicy red fruit

Fortified Wines – Muscat or Tawny Port: To cap off the Christmas meal, consider a glass of fortified wine. Australian Muscat or Tawny Port offers rich, sweet, and nutty flavours,

making them delightful accompaniments to desserts like Christmas pudding or fruitcake. Verdelho: Verdelho, often found in regions like Hunter Valley, is a versatile white wine with tropical fruit flavors and crisp acidity. It pairs well with seafood, salads, and lighter Christmas dishes, making it a refreshing choice for warm Australian summer celebrations. When selecting wines for Christmas in Australia, it’s essential to consider the diverse regional offerings and the specific flavours of your festive menu. Whether you prefer white, red, or sparkling, Australia’s wine regions offer a broad spectrum of options to elevate your Christmas celebration.

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DINING OUT

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Four classic salads to see you through summer Summer is the perfect time to indulge in refreshing and vibrant salads that highlight the season’s bountiful produce. Here are four of the most famous and delicious salads to enjoy during the warmer months.

Caprese Salad Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic glaze, salt, and pepper. Description: Originating from Italy, the Caprese salad is a celebration of simple, high-quality ingredients. Sliced tomatoes and mozzarella are arranged alternately on a plate, interspersed with fresh basil leaves. Drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze, this salad is a burst of flavors and colors, capturing the essence of summer.

Greek Salad Ingredients: Tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Description: A staple of Greek cuisine, the Greek salad is a medley of crisp vegetables and tangy flavors. Tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and Kalamata olives are combined with chunks of feta cheese. The salad is dressed with a mixture of extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper, creating a refreshing and satisfying dish.

Caesar Salad Ingredients: Romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, Caesar dressing (made with anchovies, garlic, Dijon mustard, egg yolks, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper). Description: The Caesar salad is a classic that never goes out of style. Crisp Romaine lettuce is tossed with crunchy croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a rich Caesar dressing.

A classic, refreshing Greek salad.

The combination of textures and flavors, along with the savory dressing, makes this salad a popular choice for a light and flavorful summer meal.

Watermelon and Feta Salad Ingredients: Cubed watermelon, feta cheese, fresh mint leaves, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic glaze, salt, and pepper.

Description: This sweet and savory salad is a delightful way to embrace the summer season. Juicy cubes of watermelon are paired with creamy feta cheese and fresh mint leaves. Drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze, this unique combination of flavors provides a cooling and refreshing experience on a hot summer day.

These four salads are renowned for their deliciousness and are emblematic of summer dining. They showcase the abundance of fresh, seasonal ingredients and offer a variety of tastes and textures that are perfect for warm-weather enjoyment. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, picnic, or simply looking for a light and satisfying meal, these salads are sure to be a hit during the summer months.

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Tuesday, 12 December, 2023 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 15

BEHIND THE NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Study reveals COVID’s lasting toll The COVID-19 pandemic extracted a profound toll on the psychological wellbeing of healthcare workers. Now, an Australianfirst study undertaken by Western Health and Deakin University reveals the significant and persistent negative impact on the wellbeing of health professionals over a 22-month period. Hannah Hammoud explains.

he research, led by senior research fellow Dr Sara Holton from the Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research-Western Health Partnership, delves into the experiences of 1,470 Australian clinicians. Through a series of surveys conducted at three critical junctures during the pandemic, the study measured feelings of depression, anxiety and stress. Staff were asked to complete surveys across three timepoints during the pandemic (May-June 2020, October-December 2020 and November 2021-January 2022). Key findings expose a stark reality – the proportion of healthcare workers reporting moderate to extreme symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress surged from just more than one in 10 to approximately a third as the pandemic unfolded. Dr Sara Holton noted that nurses, midwives and allied health staff bore a particularly heavy burden, reporting significantly worse psychological wellbeing than their doctor counterparts. The intensified stress experienced by nurses and midwives could be attributed to their constant bedside presence, managing high-stress situations and prolonged exposure to patients infected with COVID-19. “We think that this might be the case because these are the staff who are at the bedside all the time, and they are having the most contact with patients, whereas doctors have more limited face-to-face contact with patients,” explained Dr Holton. “Nurses also had to wear a lot of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the pandemic, which also had an impact on them being able to communicate with patients. Things such as wearing a mask sometimes made it really hard to communicate with patients – and Western Health has a high proportion of patients who come from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, English is not always their first language, and so the nurses spoke about their experience of having to try smile with their eyes and do a bit of pointing and gesturing to try get their messages across.”

Senior Research Fellow Dr Sara Holton, and Adjunct Profesor Shane Crowe. (Damjan Janevski) 378148

The study also highlighted the disproportionate impact on allied health professionals, such as physiotherapists, psychologists, and social workers. As the hospital halted services, many staff were redeployed to unfamiliar areas, leading to increased feelings of anxiety and stress. Yet, amidst the challenges, a positive insight emerged. The study revealed that healthcare workers living with school-aged children exhibited lower levels of depression and anxiety, suggesting that familial support acted as a protective factor for psychological wellbeing. Dr Holton attributed this finding to the social support within households during a time of heightened stress. “We think in fact it’s about social isolation, you weren’t living by yourself and there were other people at home. Perhaps that was an opportunity to debrief, talk about it, or an opportunity to hang out together when everyone was isolated,” she said. Dr Holton said the study also underscored the persistent challenges faced by healthcare workers on the frontlines, at a time where many in the wider community consider the pandemic to be in the past. “Lots of people in the general community think that COVID-19 is over, but we’re still having high levels of patients in the hospital, and staff are still having to care for COVID-19 patients – for them the pandemic hasn’t really stopped yet,” she said.

16 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 December, 2023

‘‘

We were able to adapt our strategies ... what we weren’t able to stop was the unrelenting demand that occurred on our staff

’’

- Shane Crowe Western Health executive director of nursing and midwifery Adjunct Professor Shane Crowe, who was also on the research team, said at the time Western Health managers were “very cognisant” that it was the staff at bedsides that were the ones who were most affected. “It wasn’t just because of their life at work, but these people also were as impacted as the rest of the population in terms of lockdown, restrictions, and the uncertainty of everything else that was occurring,” professor Crowe said. “These were the people who were at the frontlines who had huge amounts of uncertainty about the dangers associated with COVID-19, and whether they were going to be putting themselves at risk. But also, what a lot of our staff said was that they were most worried about bringing it home to their loved ones.” This awareness informed wellness strategies and interventions to support

frontline staff in managing their fears and frustrations. Professor Crowe detailed efforts to help staff positively navigate the challenges, acknowledging that despite ongoing efforts, the toll on the workforce persists with unresolved issues and lingering fatigue from the past few years. “At the start, what we knew is that we didn’t know a lot about it. There was a mixture of good information and misinformation with COVID-19, particularly earlier on, and so we were trying to filter out what was good quality information versus what wasn’t,” Professor Crowe explained, reflecting on the initial stages of the pandemic. “In the beginning we knew that we needed to over communicate, so we did that. We set up robust communication channels for people to have things in writing to keep people abreast and on top of what was happening and why we’re doing what we’re doing.” As the situation evolved, strategies were adapted to provide on-site psychologists, group debriefing sessions, and other support mechanisms. However, Professor Crowe acknowledged the unrelenting demand on staff. “As things got harder as time went on, we were able to adapt our strategies, but that being said, what we weren’t able to stop was the unrelenting demand that occurred on our staff at the time.” Professor Crowe said longitudinal studies were a crucial tool for engaging with the workforce. “The findings of the research have been used to directly inform the way health services support staff now and into the future,” he said. The latest paper from the research team, which was published in the Australian Health Review Journal, found that hospital clinical staff would benefit from ongoing and continued wellbeing support during and after pandemic waves. And the research team is not resting on its laurels. Plans are underway to continue collecting data in an effort to help unravel the long-term impacts of the pandemic on healthcare workers.

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COMMENT

Take care this festive season By Christopher Carter, chief executive officer, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network The end of 2023 is fast approaching, and with it, for many, the opportunity for a bit of break from work and the prospect of catching up with friends and family for shared meals and celebrations. However, as the old schoolyard saying reminds us, it’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt. For some people the annual holiday period – which includes significant holy days for several faiths – can be difficult. This is one of the reasons mental health crisis services stay open across these weeks and, indeed, often see a spike in people needing help. A big focus of the next month or so is family get-togethers. Extensive plans are made to organise everyone to gather in a single place for at least a few hours. For some this can feel less like a lovely prospect and more like a daunting task. Despite the common picture of families as essentially strong, supportive and happy groupings, we all know that sometimes this is not the reality. Some families may contain toxic relationships – there can be arguments, fights and feuds that rise to the surface and spoil the day. Many people feel obliged to ignore these prospects and turn up anyway, hoping, perhaps, that this time things will be ok (or, more practically, that so-and-so won’t be there). But you know what? Spending time with people you dislike – even if they are blood – can significantly impact your mental health. Sometimes the safest and the strongest option might be to decline the family feast and stay home, warm and cosy, or go to visit friends.

Sometimes too the absence of individuals can also be difficult to bear. For lots of people this year’s annual family gathering, or faith service, will be the first following the death of a loved one. This can make it a very challenging experience, full of memories and grief. For any reason, when holiday fun turns to holiday harm, some people feel that they should hide what they are feeling and soldier on. But this doesn’t have to be the case. It’s not a measure of weakness to seek a bit of help. If it all gets a bit much for you this year, remember you can always visit Head to Health – a service funded by the Australian Government that can be found at headtohealth.

gov.au. Head to Health makes it easier to find the most suitable care options for you, whether that’s face-to-face, by phone, or online. Between 8.30am and 5pm on weekdays (except public holidays) you can make a free call on 1800 595 212 for gentle, expert and confidential mental health guidance and advice. Information is available in multiple languages, and is tailored for Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people, LGBTIQ+ folk and other groups. Another good option is a service called CAREinMIND, which provides free phone counselling for people living, working or

studying in Melbourne’s northern, central and western suburbs. You can reach the team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1300 096 269, or visit the website at careinmind.com.au Here at North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network we play a big role in running both these services, and I can tell you that they will be operational throughout the holiday period. They are staffed by amazing people – and I thank them for their care and dedication. Of course, if you need immediate assistance, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 for crisis support, or an ambulance on 000 if it’s an emergency. These wonderful folks don’t stop for the holidays either!

SUMMER 2023

Parents wake up

To sleep support Why Hamish Blake is

Our top dad

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Tuesday, 12 December, 2023 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 17

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Prepare for a hot park summer Ahead of a predicted hot, dry summer, Parks Victoria and the Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) are reminding travellers to be cautious in Moorabool’s parks. Werribee Gorge is one of the most popular short walks in Victoria, and though it is only a short drive from the Victorian capital, it is a wild and rugged place, exposed to weather, with steep pathways where it is easy to trip or fall. Since 2017, VICSES and Parks Victoria

have had to perform 30 separate search and rescue (SAR) operations at Werribee Gorge, Lerderderg State Park and the Brisbane Ranges National Park. These operations are complex and expensive to stage. SARs require, on average, eight VICSES volunteers in three separate vehicles, working for around four hours, equating to 32 hours of volunteer time for each rescue. VICSES assistant chief officer, Grampians region, Anthony McLean said hikers can lean

on volunteers for assistance and support. “It always pays to be prepared for a hike, and to know your physical limitations, even at a location close to the city like Werribee Gorge or Lerderderg,” he said. “Our VICSES volunteers are always ready to help, but they would rather you took a map, plenty of water, and had a good understanding of the route you are taking and its challenges.” Parks Victoria chief ranger Belinda Seivers urged travellers to be prepared and not

underestimate the dangerous conditions that may lie ahead, and said to follow advice from the Parks Victoria website. With a hot summer ahead, Parks Victoria is forecasting lots of risks, and encourage people to plan their day-trips early or late to avoid peak heat. Visitor guides on park specific pages have maps and information about walking difficulty and estimated duration, based on the Australian walking track grading system.

Students gathered around Santa Ray’s Christmas Village at Ingenia Gardens. (Supplied)

Spreading festive cheer

Melbourne Airport chief executive Lorie Argus and VU Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker. (Supplied)

New partnership ready to take off Jobs and internships for students alongside significant research projects are at the heart of a new partnership between Victoria University (VU) and Melbourne Airport. In the first ever university partnership for the airport, students in the west will have the chance to contribute to one of the biggest economic drivers in the state. VU Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker acknowledged the opportunities expected to stem from the partnership. “Airports are where global ideas intersect, acting as a vibrant crossroads where diverse cultures, perspectives and innovations converge. This partnership sets a new standard by aligning Victoria University’s

research expertise and education programs with Melbourne Airport’s vision for the region,” he said. “It goes beyond enhancing opportunities for VU students and researchers to emphasise our shared commitment to protect country by prioritising First Nations knowledge and sustainability across all our endeavours. “We are excited about the meaningful contributions we can make together in advancing education, research, and community engagement. In addition to job and placement opportunities for VU students, the three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will seek to enrich the visitor experience to

the airport through a First Nations education framework, and research and advocacy projects around the proposed third runway. Melbourne Airport chief executive Lorie Argus said the partnership with VU would enable student placements, job and tertiary learning opportunities each year. “We’re excited to create formal education and training pathways with Victoria University, giving local students exposure to our staff and aviation specialists which could lead to exciting careers in aviation,” she said. “The projects delivered under the MOU will help guide our future planning and we look forward to working with young people in the community under the three-year agreement.”

Year 3 students from Melton Christian College dropped by Ingenia Gardens Retirement Village on December 6 to spread the Christmas cheer. The kids delivered handmade Christmas cards and sang carols. One child, Kiara gave a special prayer of blessing which she had written herself. “Dear God, please keep your loving arms around our new friends,” she said. The students enjoyed the miniature Christmas village with its working train and a surprise visit from Santa. Another student, Aabha said she loved singing to the people. “My heart felt melted with happiness and joy. It was the best making people feel joy,” she said. Melton Christian College principal David Gleeson said in the urgency of western societies very old people and very young people can become invisible. “We are so pleased that our Melton Christian College youngsters have had the beautiful opportunity to meet and befriend our local older Aussies,” he said. Ingenia Gardens community manager Nada Mecanovic said it was so wonderful to have the school kids perform. “Our residents at Ingenia Gardens Melton were so pleased and thoroughly enjoyed the performance and loved having the kids visit – it brightened our day,” she said.

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COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY CALENDAR WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication

Mens Fella-ship Men from all walks of life are invited to connect with their community and catch up over a cuppa at the weekly Fella-ship social group, meeting on Wednesday afternoons between 1-3pm at the Melton South Community Centre. The catch ups are free and no bookings are required. ■ 9747 8576

Chatty Cafe Melton Are you feeling lonely, isolated or just wanting to make some new friends? If so, Chatty Cafe is for you. The group meets on Friday mornings at 10am for delicious free coffee from Latin foods and wines at 10 Wallace Square, Melton. ■ https://www.facebook.com/ groups/352071857283331

Women’s Support Group Women’s Support Group Melton is for any women who feel they would like to attend a peer support group which is relaxed, friendly and non-judgemental. The group meets weekly at 1pm on Mondays (except for public holidays) at Djerriwarrh Neighbourhood House, 239 Station Road, Melton. The group can discuss most subjects that may be of help. ■ https://ow.ly/QVwJ50Q5g42

Caroline Springs Rotary The Rotary Club of Caroline Springs is inviting new guests to join its meetings in person or via zoom. Meetings are held every Wednesday at the Western Emergency Relief Network in Ravenhall from 7pm. ■ rotarycarolinesprings@gmail.com

Melton Ladies Probus Meets from 10am on the second Wednesday of each month at Melton Country Club on Reserve Road, Melton. All visitors are welcome. ■ Dianne, 9743 7446

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of players Bronwyn Gell, Connor Wilson and Jessica Curnow from the Werribee Giants Baseball Club ahead of their Pride game. (Damjan Janevski) 377219_01

bridge sessions at the Melton Library on Fridays from 10am-noon. Come along to play an exciting, social card game and have loads of fun. Bridge offers the suspense of poker, the cerebral qualities of chess and the excitement of athletic sports, all in a relaxed and social setting. If you like playing cards this is for you. ■ Rosemary, 0407 894 817

The Gap on Graham The Gap provides a place for Melton youth to hang out, socialise, play games and learn new skills. The centre holds a night for girls aged 10-18 years at 5 Graham Street, Melton, on Wednesday evenings. There is also a drop-in night for anyone aged 12-25 years old.

Melton Friendship Group. Join the Melton Friendship Group for singles 55 and older. Meet fortnightly for coffee and chat nights and organised affordable outings and events. ■ 0406 493 734

Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club ■ Val, 0414 769 605

Melton Men’s Group Melton Men’s Group meets every Thursday from 5-8pm at Arnolds Creek Children’s and Community Centre, 19 Claret Ash Boulevard, Harkness. Focusing on senior men’s mental and physical wellbeing. Join the group for a cuppa and a chat, listen to guest speakers and participate in activities including carpet bowls, pool or table tennis. ■ meltonmensgroup.home.blog

Take weight off naturally Struggling to lose weight? Struggling to get motivated? Want to try and do it in a friendly and less stressful atmosphere? Come and join TOWN (Take Weight Off Naturally) every Tuesday at 6pm at the Darlingsford Barn, Darlingsford Boulevard, Melton. ■ Catherine, 0416 612 517, or Bob, 0411 824 739

The Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 10am at Melton Country Club. New members welcome. ■ Ann, 0425 705 150

Melton Bridge Club The Melton Bridge Club has weekly social

U3A Melton offers among its activities a book group, Australian history and a gentle exercise class for those 55 and older who are retired or semi-retired who wish to stay mentally and physically active. ■ 0419 563 016

Melton Combined Probus Club The Melton Probus Club meets on the first Tuesday of each month at the Melton Dart Club, 63a Reserve Road, from 9.45am. ■ 9746 0271

Rose Carers Of Maddingley Park The Rose Carers meet Wednesdays from 10am-noon at Maddingley Park, corner of Grant and Taverner streets, Bacchus Marsh, to maintain two beautiful rose gardens. All volunteers are always welcome. ■ Elaine Greenhall, 0418 171 119, or 0400 052 857

Melton South Knit & Natter All are welcome to join this social crafting group, running at the Melton South Community Centre each Monday from 10am-noon. Bring along any knitting or crochet projects and work on them while sharing tips, learning skills and catching up over a cuppa. ■ 9747 8576

Zonta club meets Zonta is an international organisation bringing women together to support other women. The Zonta Club of Melton meets on the first Monday of each month at Melton Country Club, Reserve Road, Melton. ■ Suzanne, 0417 512 420

BusyFeet Hillside BusyFeet is a dance and movement class for children with intellectual and physical disabilities. Classes create a fun and inclusive environment for kids aged six to 16 to try new things and build social skills, as well as giving a chance for parents’ respite. It’s held from 11am-11.45am Saturday. ■ Ross, 0411 228 311

on the first Sunday each month at Darley Neighbourhood House 2pm-5pm. ■ https://63ec55b8628d6.site123.me/

Rotary Club of Melton The Rotary Club of Melton invites new guests to join its meetings, held on the first and third Tuesday of every month, 6pm at Tabcorp Park, Melton. ■ meltonrotary@gmail.com

Garden Club The Bacchus Marsh and District Garden Club meets on the second Tuesday of each month except January, from 7.30pm, at The Laurels, 229 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh. Guest speakers and supper provided. Yearly membership $15. New members welcome. ■ Michelle, 0421 106 268

Community Band

Melton Cycling Club meets for regular Sunday rides. There are three different riding groups to cater for different abilities starting at 7.30am. The rides finish at Lazy Moe’s for a cuppa. ■ 0403 057 003

The Greater Western Community Band holds rehearsals on Thursdays, 7.30-9.30pm, at Blackwood Drive Hall, Melton South. The group welcomes musicians young and old to come along and join in with the band. Also available to perform at events and festivals. ■ Sally Hamond, 0401 474 582

Community singing group

Over 50s Social Group

If you love to sing, come join the Melton Singers. The group rehearses regularly and also performs at aged care facilities. The group is very relaxed and sings songs mainly from the 1960s and 70s. It meets Tuesdays at 10am. ■ Val, 0418 667 150

A friendly group of people aged 50 and older who enjoy each other’s company while attending events and outings such as dinners, shows, dancing, cinemas and more. If you live in the Melton area and would like to meet new friends, in a welcoming group environment, this is for you. ■ Marlene, 0498 329 290

Melton Cycling Club

Parkinson’s support group The Melton Parkinson’s Support Group meets on the second Thursday of the month 10.30am–12.30pm at Kurunjang Community Centre, 33-35 Mowbray Crescent, Kurunjang. New members and carers are welcome. ■ Helen, 0409 186 576

U3A Melton

Melton Trauma Teddies Melton Trauma Teddies are seeking volunteers to assist with knitting, stuffing, or stitching teddy-bears that go to children in their time of need. ■ Jean, 0412 931 498

Boomerang Bags Bacchus Marsh Boomerang Bags Bacchus Marsh make reusable shopping bags from rescued fabric. They need people to cut, sew, iron and market our bags. The group meets

Sunrise Social Groups GenWest Sunrise Social Groups are currently seeking new members for their Melton, Brimbank and Wyndham programs. The free groups are organised by Genwest and provide a social space for women, gender diverse and nonbinary people, who have a disability, chronic health issues and/ or mental health challenges. ■ https://genwest.org.au/what-we-do/ health-wellbeing-programs/

Tuesday, 12 December, 2023 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 19

PUZZLES To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

easy

1 6 7

4 5 8 8 2 3

9 4

5 8 9 6 3 1 8 5 7 3 6 4 2 7 7 4 8 5 6 medium

1 8

QUICK CROSSWORD Messages sent on holiday (9) Matured (4) Organ used to hear (3) Thing found disgusting or vile (11) Words of the same meaning (8) Rupture (6) Naked (4) Post (7) Rubeola (7) Thunder god (4) Voice box (6) A doctor’s customers (8) Acknowledgement (11) Centre (3) Edible rootstock (4) Question and answer session (9)

12 13 14 15 20 21 25 26 28 29 30 31

Those sharing a house (9) Send (4) A stringed musical instrument (6) Small rowboat (6) Dead and putrefying flesh (7) Psychiatrist (9) 13 to 19 (7) Chinese east coast city (8) Medieval weapon (8) A red wine (6) Food retailer (6) Meal (6) South Pacific island (4)

4 5 7

ACROSS 1 6 10 11

No. 163

8 9 16 17 18 19 22 23 24 27

DOWN Game bird (8) Love song (8) Bondage (6)

1 2 3

DECODER

No. 163

5 7

4 3 8 9 4 4 1 5 8 7 8 7 6 9 7 9 3 1 2 7 5 hard

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

Today’s Aim: 21 words: Good 32 words: Very good

G A

abiding, aiding, ailing, algid, align, aligns, bailing, balding, baling, bang, bangs, basing, biasing, biding, digs, ding, dings, DISABLING, gain, gains, gild, gilds, gins, glad, gland, glib, idling, lading, lags, lang, nags, sailing, sang, sibling, siding, sidling, sign, sing, slag, slang, sliding, sling, snag

No. 163

ALONG APRIL ARENA ARISE AURAS AWOKE BESET CARGO CEDED CHOSE DAZED DEBUG DELTA EIGHT ELEGY ENTER ESSAY ETHER EVICT FERNS FORGE GRAPE

4 LETTERS BULB EARN EGGS GROW LATE LOTS MYTH REEF RIFT SALT SELL SKIM SONG UNTO 5 LETTERS ADORE

HORDE HORSE IRONY ISLES LEECH LUNGE MADAM MAINS MERGE METER ONION OPENS PANEL RATIO REINS ROBOT SCORE SHARP SHOES SORES SPEAR TOKEN

QUICK QUIZ

Of the 2023 Academy Award Best Picture nominees, which film did Frances McDormand (pictured) produce and star in?

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

Laos, Thailand and Vietnam surround the borders of which other country?

Originating from a collection of fables, The Boy Who Cried Wolf is credited to which ancient Greek storyteller?

E N S

A N A S

R I S P U N A R R A T E

20 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 December, 2023

* $ 5 / , &

Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.

6 7 4 1 9 3 2 8 5 5 2 9 8 6 4 1 7 3 8 1 3 7 2 5 6 4 9 1 4 6 2 3 8 5 9 7 7 8 5 9 1 6 3 2 4 3 9 2 5 4 7 8 6 1 4 5 7 3 8 2 9 1 6 9 6 8 4 5 1 7 3 2 2 3 1 6 7 9 4 5 8

3 LETTERS ACE AGO APE ASK ATE BOA DUO EGO ERA FBI GEL GNU INS KEG OAF OFF ROW RUE SEA SEE TEE URN UTE WEB

No. 163

TOYED TWEED USING WALTZ WEDGE 6 LETTERS CAWING GARLIC LIKELY ONWARD

7 LETTERS ELASTIC ENEMIES EROSION FOOTAGE ORIENTS RIVETED 8 LETTERS HANDRAIL INCITING INSTANCE POWERFUL

15-12-23

C L I

1 2 9 6 3 7 4 5 8 6 7 5 1 4 8 2 3 9 4 8 3 5 9 2 6 7 1 3 6 4 7 1 5 9 8 2 8 5 2 9 6 3 7 1 4 9 1 7 8 2 4 5 6 3 2 9 1 3 7 6 8 4 5 5 3 6 4 8 9 1 2 7 7 4 8 2 5 1 3 9 6

1 9 6 8 3 7 5 2 4 8 3 4 9 2 5 1 7 6 5 7 2 6 4 1 9 3 8 3 6 7 1 8 9 4 5 2 4 1 9 2 5 3 6 8 7 2 5 8 7 6 4 3 1 9 6 4 1 5 7 2 8 9 3 7 8 5 3 9 6 2 4 1 9 2 3 4 1 8 7 6 5

E A

10 11 12 13

9-LETTER WORD

G M 17

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

I U

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

43 words: Excellent

hard

5x5

F I D V ZWX U K T H Y J

medium

easy

C O E B L S N R P AQ GM

9 1 1 3 2 6 1 4 8 7 9 6 4 5 6 1 7 8 9 1 8 7 2 2 6

WORDFIT

True or false: Earth is the only known planet where a fire can burn?

What are Nepalese dumplings more commonly known as?

Chopine, opanak and plimsoll are all what type of apparel?

Which noble gas has the capacity to work against gravity?

Charlie Mackesy's bestselling illustrated book features a mole, a fox and what other animal?

Which cosmetics brand was founded in 1984 by two Canadian men named Frank?

10 'Radii' is the plural form of what? ANSWERS: 1. Women Talking 2. True 3. Cambodia 4. Aesop 5. Momos 6. Shoes 7. Helium 8. A horse 9. MAC Cosmetics 10. Radius

No. 163

0 ( 5 * ( 6 3 ( $ 5 & ( ' ( ' + 2 5 6 ( $ 5 ( 1 $ $ / 2 1 * ' ( % 8 * $:2 . ( : $ / 7 = $ * 2 6 2 5 ( 6 ) % , 7 ( ( $ 3 5 , / 2 1 : $ 5 ' 0 < 7 + 2 ) ) ) 2 2 7 $ * ( 6 & 2 5 ( 8 1 7 2 % 8 / % + $ 1 ' 5 $ , / 6 . , 0 6 ( ( ( 1 ( 0 , ( 6 2 5 , ( 1 7 6 ( * 2 6 ( / / , 1 6 7 $ 1 & ( 6 2 1 * ( $ 5 1 ( , * + 7 ( / $ 6 7 , & 8 5 1 * $ 5 / , & ( 9 , & 7 6 $ / 7 5 8 ( . ( * ( 7 + ( 5 ' 8 2 $ 5 , 6 ( 5 $ 7 , 2 , 5 2 1 < 2 3 ( 1 6 ) 2 5 * ( 3 $ 1 ( / : ( ' * ( 7 : ( ( ' ( 6 6 $ <

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SPORTS QUIZ 1. Unai Emery has managed which two English Premier League clubs? 2. Italy defeated Australia in the 2023 Davis Cup final; which country did the same in 2022? 3. Australian baseballer Curtis Mead was promoted to which major league team in August 2023?

12. The Australian tennis team is nicknamed what when playing the Fed Cup?

4. Name the 2023 film about the Boomers’ journey to achieving their first international medal.

13. How many overs is each player allowed to bowl in a cricket ODI?

5. Tom Brady’s 2015 four-game suspension was due to his alleged involvement in which NFL ball-tampering controversy?

14. Anze Kopitar recently surpassed the most games-played record for which NHL team?

6. Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo is facing a lawsuit for his involvement in which controversial company?

15. In which year did North Melbourne last win an AFL grand final? 16. And who did they beat?

7. The Matildas took out which prestigious award after their iconic FIFA World Cup run?

17. Chicago Fire are a team that plays which sport? 18. Which two players have been announced as the West Coast Eagles’ co-captains for the 2024 AFL season?

8. Which AFLW team faced their first ever Grand Final against the Brisbane Lions? 9. Which of these AFL teams did TV host Tony Armstrong not play at during his career: a) Adelaide, b) Sydney or c) St Kilda?

19. Matthew Farrelly is the real name of which Australian professional wrestler? 20. In which year was karate introduced at the Olympics?

10. What nationality is professional golfer Connor Syme?

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21. Which team won the 2023 AFLW Grand Final?

11. Which US soccer player is Matildas captain Sam Kerr engaged to?

22. Name the sisters who play for the Brisbane Lions AFLW team?

23. Which men’s national rugby sevens team did South Africa defeat to win the 2023 Dubai Sevens?

28. Golfer Lachlan Wood, winner of the 2023 Australian All Abilities Championship, is from which country?

24. Which women’s national rugby sevens team did Australia defeat to win the 2023 Dubai Sevens?

29. Which medal did aerial skiier Danielle Scott win at the Freestyle Ski World Cup event in Ruka, Finland?

25. Adam Doueihi last played for which NRL club? 26. Golfer Joaquín Niemann, winner of the 2023 Australian Open, hails from which South American country?

30. Which medal did snowboarder Belle Brockhoff win at the Snowboard World Cup event in Ruka, Finland?

27. Golfer Ashleigh Buhai, winner of the 2023 Women’s Australian Open, is from which African country?

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Ford Everest reaches a new high By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring Some of Ford Ranger’s magic must have rubbed off on Everest because it’s now one of the top 10 best-selling cars in Australia, second only to the Toyota Prado in its segment. The last time we drove Everest we were pleasantly surprised by the wagon and the latest, third generation model is no exception, in keeping with the market response. It’s ironic because sometimes we critics can bag the crap out of a car, then stand back amazed as it sells its socks off. Go figure.

Styling Everest adopts the same ‘tough’ look as the Ranger, bluff and squared off where the previous model was rounded. It’s more muscular in appearance and targeted at blokes, and is light years from the Ford Territory that pioneered this segment for the brand 20 years ago. The rear is obviously different, with broad, strong horizontal lines. The Sport grade has proved popular and is now available with a choice of 3.0-litre V6 or 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesels, together with rear- or all-wheel drive. Sport is readily identified by the black treatment that everyone seems to want these days, with black trim, black wheels and black raised lettering for the badges. And it’s the only grade available in the exclusive colour Blue Lightning, as pictured. Inside there’s two-zone climate air, with part-leather, Sport-embossed front seats that are heated and cooled. The driver seat is 10-way power adjustable with memory setting while the front passenger seat is eight-way power-adjustable. All grades apart from Ambiente come with three rows of seats. Standard kit includes 20-inch alloys, side steps, LED head, tail and daytime running lights, electric parking brake, keyless entry and start, auto lights and wipers, auto high beam, speed sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, auto dimming rear view mirror, front and rear parking sensors. Prices start from $53,490 for the 2.0-litre rear-drive Ambiente. Trend is priced from $60,990, Sport from $62,990, Wildtrak from $72,804 and Platinum from $77,000, all before on road costs. Our test vehicle was the rear drive Sport with the 2.0-litre engine. If you want all wheel drive, it’s packaged with the V6 and comes at a cost of $70,590. Prestige paint adds $700 (everything but white) and the tow pack is $1700. Everest is covered by a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, roadside assistance if you get it serviced by Ford and a pre-paid service plan is available at a cost of $1200 for the first four general services for up to four years or 60,000km.

Infotainment Pride of place in the cabin goes to the SYNC4A infotainment system with voice activation and a huge 12.0-inch Tesla-like vertical touchscreen with 10-speaker audio. The system features Bluetooth, built-in satnav with one year of connected navigation services, DAB+ digital radio, both wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless charging. There are two USB ports in front (USB-A and USB-C), two in the back (USB-A and USB-C) plus a 12-volt outlet in the front console box and another unlabeled outlet in the luggage area. The FordPass app allows you to view vehicle status. You can also remotely unlock the vehicle, activate zone lighting where fitted, and start the vehicle to activate the climate control.

Engines/transmissions The four produces 154kW of power at 3750 rpm and 500Nm of torque from 1750-2000 rpm, while the larger 3.0-litre V6 delivers 184kW at 3250 rpm and 600Nm from 1750-2250 rpm.

Best buy – rear-wheel drive Sport. (Pictures: Supplied)

Both are paired with a 10-speed auto, with four drive modes in the rear-drive Sport: Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul and Slippery.

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE 2.0 Ambiente RWD: $53,490

Safety ANCAP says Everest’s five-star safety rating is based mainly on test results for the Ford Ranger utility on which it is based, with supplementary information from Ford (not sure why). It has nine airbags, including driver and passenger knee airbags along with the latest centre airbag which provides added protection to front seat occupants in side impact crashes is also standard. There’s also a rear-view camera, Autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User, Junction Assist and AEB Backover) as well as a lane support system with lane keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK), and an advanced speed assistance system (SAS) are standard. There are five top tether child seat anchors and another two Isofix anchors.

Driving Everest is big, at 4914mm long and 1842mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2900mm. It has 230mm of ground clearance whether it’s the 4x4 version or not and this model tips the scales at 2295kg. The dimensions are roughly the same as before, with a 50mm increase in track and wheelbase. The changes have been made to accommodate the V6 and the new hybrid when it finally arrives. The longer wheelbase means more space inside, but the height of the vehicle also means getting in and out could be problematic for short people, particularly less athletic ones. There are only 259 litres of space behind the third row of seats, rising to a healthy 898 litres with the third row stowed. Everest comes with a choice of engines depending on the grade. There’s also rear and all-wheel drive to factor in. Ambiente and Trend kick off the range with a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel, while Wildtrak and Platinum bring a Ford-sourced 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel. Mid-range Sport can be had with either – RWD with the four, AWD with the six. This model is fitted with 255/55 series Goodyear Wrangler Territory HT road tyres. A full-size alloy spare is provided. Whichever model you choose, it can tow a 3500kg load, but there’s a thing called gross combined mass to consider and the V6 is probably the better option for towing. Like most cars these days starting Everest is accomplished via a button that takes the place

2.0 Ambiente 4WD: $58,490 2.0 Trend RWD: $60,990 2.0 Trend 4WD: $65,990 2.0 Sport RWD: $62,990 3.0 Sport 4WD: $70,590 3.0 Wildtrak 4WD: $72,804 3.0 Platinum 4WD: $77,000 SPECIFICATIONS Ford Everest 2.0-litre turbo-diesel five-door wagon

Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Ford dealer for drive-away prices.

of a key. In Everest that button literally takes the place of the key mechanism in the barrel on the steering column. It’s a bit of an oddity and had us looking for a button each and every time we started the wagon – either in the console or to the left or right of the wheel. The instrument cluster is part digital in this model with a rather unimaginative 8.0-inch squared off display that sits between traditional analogue gauges. It’s not until you get to the top of the line Platinum that it’s flashier and all digital, with a 12.3-inch screen. Looking and running your hands over surfaces in the cabin reveals plenty of hard, cheap, generic plastic trim, detracting from the ambience. The honeycomb air vents are a case in point. But most eyes will be focused on the Tesla-like touchscreen which provides plenty of real estate for satnav and secondary controls, although we’re not sure why it is necessary to have both physical and electronic controls for the aircon. The system can be slow to boot and at one point the screen blacked out for 30 seconds during which it remained unresponsive. Wireless Android Auto worked flawlessly. The four-cylinder twin turbo diesel is basically the same unit that powered the Raptor five years ago with a little tweaking. In that context and producing 500Nm of torque from a low 1750 rpm, it is anything but disappointing. The V6 is just icing on the cake. Unlike most diesels, the four feels smooth and quiet, with a real spring to its step. Changes are smooth and those 10 speeds make sure the engine is always where it needs

to be, but it feels a little busy at times. Adaptive cruise control works all the way down to a dead stop, before going again, and with intelligent speed assist active will automatically change to the current speed limit. Rear suspension is different to that in the ute, more sophisticated to make things more comfortable for rear seat occupants. But our passengers still complained about ride quality in the back and the ride quality is generally a little jiggly and not as good as a sedan. It’s good to see plenty of rear air outlets, located in the roof, which will stop the kids from getting sick. Auto engine stop-start is fitted and cycles down the aircon with the engine. The result can be stifling on a hot day and freezing when it’s cold, but can probably be turned off. Try as we may, we couldn’t get hot air into the back on a brisk Canberra day. The cabin is a nice, quiet place to be on the road, thanks to an acoustic windscreen and well sound-proofed engine – but there’s no mention of noise cancelling technology this time around. There are no gear change paddles. Instead, a thumb-controlled rocker switch at the top of the shift lever performs the same function. It’s okay for occasional changes, but no good for long term use. The steering has gone from light to hard work, mainly because of the lane-centreing assistance. Take your hands off the wheel and the car will steer itself for a good few seconds, including bends, before you’re warned to put your hands back on the wheel. It wants to do the work and the trick is to let it do most of the work instead of fighting the wheel which can become tiring – or simply turn it off with a switch conveniently located on the wheel. With an 80-litre fuel tank, combined fuel consumption for this model is a claimed 7.1L/100km. We were getting as little as 7.8L/100km after almost 1200km of mixed driving. That’s pretty good for a vehicle this size.

Summing up Women may not like the styling and the heavy steering made my wife’s arms ache, but overall, it’s pretty good. The rear-wheel drive 2.0-litre Sport could be the one to get, because it’s visually appealing and comes with everything you want and nothing you can’t do without. It represents a considerable savings over the off-road version which the majority of people will never use anyway.

Tuesday, 12 December, 2023 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 23

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Clean sweep for Magnetic Terror By John Dunne Magnetic Terror completed a clean sweep of the Gordon Rothacker Memorial Championship when he outstayed his rivals in the final at Melton on Saturday night. Kate Gath took off on Magnetic Terror ($2.25 favourite) with 1600 metres to travel and the five-year-old staved off all challenges in the home straight scoring by a head from Illawong Awesome with Corravally Star a metre away third. Gath said the win was a blueprint of his heat win the previous week when he sat parked outside the leader. “We had to do it that way again, it was a pretty good effort really as the second quarter was solid and the last two were solid, so he’s gone really well,” Gath said. “I’m just rapt that he could get the win for Mick Boots who has a few horses with us, he spends a lot of money and it’s good to get the win for him,” she said. Gath said Magnetic Terror has a few strings to his bow. “He’s really fast too so he’s a little bit versatile and when he gets up in grade we’ll probably use that more, I think he tends to love not doing a lot of work initially out of the gate but after that you can make a move like we did tonight and be too strong still at the end,” she said. The win completed a double for Gath who partnered talented South Australian filly Miss Idaho ($2.10 favourite ) to victory in the Benstud Standardbreds Youthful Stakes (2YO Fillies) earlier in the night. Gath timed her run to perfection easing out of the one out one back trail around the final bend and holding out the challenges to score by a metre from Our Ultimate Gracy and Jumpingjoy.

Magnetic Terror (Stuart McCormick)

The Ryan Hryhorec trained Miss Idaho is building an impressive picket fence form line winning her past seven starts following a second on debut at Mildura in May. Following her double, Gath is now two wins clear of Mark Pitt in the Metropolitan Drivers Premiership. Meanwhile the Scott Ewen prepared Bulletproof Boy continued to reap the financial benefits of playing at home rather than campaigning in Brisbane when he completed back-to-back wins at Melton. The eight-year-old, who was sent out a $1.65 favorite, was untroubled to lead all the way

WIN

take it but they put it to him now and he keeps finding,” he said. “He’s definitely in career best form.” Ewen indicated Bulletproof Boy would be aimed at bigger spoils after Christmas. “We’ll freshen him up for and see if we can get him ready for the Hunter Cup,” he said. And Ewen didn’t rule out a trip to Sydney in the new year. “I still think the sprints are his go and I said to the owners it would be good to have a crack at the Miracle Mile heats,” he said. “He’s good enough to be a chance in them, and like anyone, you’ve got to draw a barrier but if he does I think he’s a good chance.”

United go down 4-0

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defeating the Larajay Farm stablemates Triple Eight and La Captain in the Logical Staffing Solutions Free For All. “He’s won two races here and I don’t think he would have won much more money up there even winning a heat and it would have been hard to win the final,” Ewen said. “I didn’t pull the plugs tonight, he did it pretty comfortably, I flicked him up but he always had them at bay- it’s just a freak that he is going as well as he is at the moment,” he said. Ewen believes Bulletproof Boy is racing as well as ever. “He wasn’t as strong a few years ago, if he led and copped a bit of pressure then he wouldn’t

Western United’s losing streak has extended to six in the A-League Men’s competition, following a 4-0 defeat at the hands of the Central Coast Mariners on Friday night. United’s lack of aerial presence was evident early on in Gosford, as Mariners defenders Daniel Hall and Brian Kaltak helped themselves to a goal each from corners, giving the home side a 2-0 lead inside 25 minutes. Things went from bad to worse for Western, as Central Coast attacking midfielder Marco Tulio put away a third goal just before the break. Former Olyroo Alou Kuol came on off the bench late in the game, and capped off a brilliant home team performance with his third goal of the season. Despite a poor run of form, United coach John Aloisi has previously remained upbeat about his side’s ability to get out of its slump, however this week he labelled the performance “unacceptable”. “The performance was nowhere near good enough,” he said. “On set pieces we were always second best, we were never in the game. “We have gone on a bad run of results but the performances have been good… but tonight, it was nowhere near good enough. “I have to take responsibility, because I’m the coach… but since I’ve been at this football club that’s the worst performance I’ve been involved in.” A triple-substitution was activated at half time by Aloisi, but he said he wished he could’ve changed more. “I could’ve changed all 11,” he said. “It had nothing to do with any individual, it was everyone as a whole.” A dejected Aloisi recognised the situation his side finds itself in, but said sticking to their process is now key to finding a return to form. “We need to go back to the basics of being able to compete and fire, and having some pride.”

It is now six straight losses for Western United. (supplied)

Western United sits last on the table with just three points, earned all the way back in the opening round. United is now seven points outside of the top six, with the season quickly slipping away. It returns home this week, with a Friday night at AAMI Park that has been dubbed the ‘Aloisi derby’ awaiting them with John facing his brother Ross Aloisi in the coaches box. After an international break, Western United women returned to winning ways, with a convincing 3-1 victory away from home over Adelaide United. A brace from Adriana Taranto saw United take a 2-0 lead halfway through the second half, with a Hannah Keane sealer in injury time ensuring the points came home. It will be another week on the road for the girls, heading to Newcastle for a Sunday clash. Gerald Lynch

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Cobras name coach Tyrell to turn things around New Bacchus Marsh coach Lisa Tyrell is keen to help the club start to turn things around in the Ballarat Netball League. It’s been a tough few years for the Cobras, including failing to win a game in A-grade this year, but the club has continued to fight hard and still field an A-grade team. Having been part of the club with her daughter playing netball and son playing football, Tyrell decided that she would put her hand up to coach. “It’s great,” she said. “I’ve been at the club since we moved to Bacchus Marsh in 2012. “I coached the under-15s and under-17s in junior netball for about four years. I understand the struggles that they’ve had last year and trying to get someone to step into the role is quite tough.

“I thought I would get in and help them and do what I can to help them improve.” Tyrell played in the South Australia Districts Netball Association for many years at representative level. She had a stint in the South Australian state league with Newton Jaguars and also played for her state in the indoor national titles and was named in the All-Australian team. Tyrell said with most of her experience in South Australia, she didn’t have a lot of netball contacts in Victoria and would look to develop the local girls. “I want to get players in who I can get the best out of them,” she said. “Sometimes you have to go back to the basics and get the skills right. “I’ll look to get a bit more structure in there. I’m excited to see how we go and get some

improvement and some runs on the board. “I might shake it up in some of the lower grades.” Tyrell said she was keen to push some of the juniors up into the senior grades to give them the opportunity to play at the higher level. The Cobras have started pre-season and last week had Melbourne Vixens training partners Maggie Caris and Ruby Barkmeyer in attendance for a second session. Tyrell said the girls had really embraced the opportunity to have high level players at training. She said any players who were interested in joining the welcome to come down as they rebuild the club. They will hold trials early next year. Tara Murray

Smith back with United

Lisa Tyrell. (Supplied)

Mustangs lock in coaches

By Harper Sercombe Kat Smith has been appointed as the replacement for Western United inaugural coach Mark Torcaso. Torcaso made the decision to resign from his position in order to focus fully on his role with the Philippines women’s national team. Returning to the A-League, Smith said she is champing at the bit to be back home in Melbourne and coaching once again. Smith joins United as just its second women’s coach and first female to be at the helm. Smith brings a wealth of knowledge on a majority of the playing squad having come up against United while leading the Western Sydney Wanderers side last season and also coaching Alamein FC and Geelong Galaxy in the women’s National Premier League. It’s a full circle moment for Smith to return to the Western United environment after she was a part of the first ever Western United women’s development squad. “I’m really excited, the weather has been turned on in Melbourne and I’m back at home doing what I love, being on the grass coaching,” she said. “I’m really stoked to get this opportunity to work with this group, obviously some strong foundations have been laid. Commencing in 2021, the women’s development squad was the precursor to Western United’s A-League team, bringing professional training standards to a select group of talented players in Victoria. That group featured the likes of Alana Cerne, Adriana and Melissa Taranto and Natasha Dakic, all of whom went on to secure A-League contracts. Smith said she is now eager to reunite with familiar faces. “That’s the drive you get from coaching, seeing players progressing and reaching their dreams and helping them with their ambition,” she said. “To have the opportunity to work with the club prior to moving to Sydney I think coming back and being able to reconnect with those players again and help them on their journey here.” Smith coached her first match at United on the weekend, talking before the game she said fans shouldn’t be expecting massive changes. “The group’s got a really good foundation,” she said. “We are obviously going to put a bit of my flavour on things that we’ll tweak but I think the real focus and priority will be for players to have clarity in terms of their roles and responsibilities. “I don’t want to change too much because like I said there’s a good foundation and good principals… it’s just redefining a little bit of the language and a little bit of the purpose and intent for the ball. “Our style of play is going to start with the ball, every team likes to control possession, we’ll be like that but also really aggressive

Melton has locked in its coaches for next year’s Hockey Victoria Vic league competitions. The Mustangs have signed Bill Fuller as their women’s coach in Vic league 2 and also in a club development role. Fuller comes to the club with plenty of experience. Most recently he has spent the past two seasons coaching Knox’s women’s side and previously coached LaTrobe University’s men’s side. He also coached at senior level at both Kew and Yarra Valley where he assisted them in gaining promotion into premier league. He has also coached a number of state teams from masters, and from under-13s through to under-21s. “Bill is looking forward to working with all our coaches and players to develop a high performance pathway focused on coaching excellence , skill development and fun,” the club said on social media. The women’s side finished sixth this year with six wins, six draws and six losses. They finished eight points outside the top four. On the men’s side, two favourite sons will coach the side next year. Chris Arnold and Ryan Self will lead the side. The pair have played more than 700 games between them, with both playing matches this year. Self has previously coached the side, as well as captaining the team and won club best and fairests. The Mustangs finished in fifth spot this year, six points out of the top four. The Mustangs on social media said exciting things were coming for the 2024 season. The club is already seeking players for their men’s, women’s, juniors and masters teams.

Kat Smith. (Western United)

about how we play forward. “We’ve got some really good technical players in this group and their strengths and their dominant qualities are going to come.

“And of course we’ve got to have a good work ethic and desire of every player to make sure that we can support each other around the ball.”

Bill Fuller. (Supplied)

Tuesday, 12 December, 2023 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 25

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The Panthers off to a positive start There’s a positive start to life under new coach Travis Hodgson at Melton South. After a few tough years on field for the Ballarat Football League club, a lot of hard work is going on behind the scenes to start turning things around. Hodgson is aware of the big challenge ahead of him, but is already seeing some really good signs after a winless season. “I didn’t see numbers on track in previous years, but the feedback has been that has been one of the struggles,” he said. “Numbers have been good and we’ve had 50 on the track multiple nights and it’s usually hovering in the low 40s. “They were struggling to get 20 on the track in previous years. There’s positive signs and the enthusiasm around the place, hopefully add a few more recruits. “We’re not setting expectations just yet. We want to be more competitive. The average losing margin last season was 158.” Hodgson said he feels like the club is heading in the right direction. They’ve announced a few new signings, while their

core young talent has signed on for another season, “A couple of the key criteria was to get in new players and to also get a few back and we’ve ticked a few boxes. “Potentially we will tick a few more boxes.” Hodgson said they have targeted specific players to bring to try and fill some of the holes. The biggest name signing so far is former AFL player Patrick Veszpremi. “He is the biggest name and brings that AFL experience,” Hodgson said. “The others will all play important roles. “We’re aware we need to get players and numbers to club but with recruiting you have a limit with play points and money. “We were really specific and we wanted to add some height. We had Broden Collins in the ruck and centre half back last season, but didn’t have any other height. Stuart Hobijn-Allen joins the club from Airport West and has previously been Victorian Football League listed and brings plenty of flexibility.

Jayden Welch joins the Panthers from Broadford where he was playing coach the past two seasons. He will add height and experience in the forward line. Ryder Rousch will be another in the forward line, having crossed from the Sunbury Lions where he won the league under-19 best and fairest award by 10 votes despite missing several games due to playing seniors. Hodgson said importantly their core group of young players led by Riley Theo, Mitch Fino, Cody Chapman and Collins, had all signed on. He said with a few years of senior football now under their belts, he expects them to take even further strides with their games. Tara Murray

Cody Chapman (Jacob Pattison)328024_03

Kiera’s selection dream

Ballarat CA Darley and Bacchus Marsh’s Ballarat Cricket Association T20 clash ended in a tie last Tuesday night. The Lions batted first in the local rivalry, making 9-121 from their overs with Dilan Cahndima top scored with 51 at the top of the order. Angus Jones took 3-21 for the Bulls. The Bulls looked on track to get the win, but two wickets in the final over left the side also finishing at 9-121. Thomas Wardell top scored with 33 for the Bulls.

By Harper Sercombe It’s been a long time in the making for Kiera Whiley but her life-long dream could become a reality on Monday night. Whiley has been playing football for more than half of her life and her hobby could soon be her career if her name was to be read out on December 18 at the AFLW draft. “It’s quite nerve wracking coming this close, it feels like there’s been such a long build up to it and then suddenly it’s right around the corner,” she said. “It’s kind of always been the dream pretty much since I started before there was even a girls league around I decided this is what I wanted to do. “[If I got drafted] it would honestly be the most insane thing ever, it’s been quite a few years watching other people get up and get their dream finally. “Looking back at little nine-year-old me just playing footy with the boys and watching those boys get their name read out, it would just mean the world to me to have that opportunity. “So many years in the making and just this opportunity to make a career out of something that I’ve always wanted.” From playing junior footy with Caroline Springs in the Western Region Football League, Whiley quickly graduated to the Coates Talent League joining the Western Jets at just 14. She is now aligned with Hillside. “It’s been a bit of a weird adjustment no longer being a part of it, I’ve been there forever so it was such a normal part of my life and I’m really grateful that I was able to be in that program for so long,” she said. “It really taught me a lot and there are so many habits that I’ve developed from just being a part of my life that I think have made a big impact on where I am now. “Even in the earlier years watching the girls go off and play Vic Metro and bring back what they learnt, I think being around people while growing up is such an important thing.” Whiley then went on to make her own mark at the Vic Metro level, playing for them in the two most recent carnivals. She also made her Victorian Football League debut this year for the Western Bulldogs in round seven against Williamstown. “It really opened my eyes. It’s another level up again, just the professionalism and then amount of fun and enjoyment that the girls are still able to bring into it but being able to flick the switch when necessary to get the most out of training,” she said. “While captaining the Jets, my goal was always to be leading by example so being able

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NAB League Western Jets Lou Lou Field and Sierra Grieves are among those named in the Vic Metro girls summer training squad. The squad will take one in two high-performance training camps over the summer months to further assist players in their preparation for the 2024 Coates Talent League season, the first of those camps later this month.

VPL Fixtures for the Victorian Premier League competitions have been released. The VPL1 and 2 have replaced the National Premier League 2 and 3 competitions. The VPL1 will get underway on the weekend of February 9, while the VPL2 will start a month later. In VPL1, Caroline Springs George, which has been promoted twice in two years, will play Melbourne City in round one on February 10. Fixtures for the VPL women’s competition have not been released.

Cricket

Kiera Whiley (Graham Denholm/AFL Photos)

to bring back what I learned and setting the standard was quite beneficial I think.” While Whiley has been touted heading into Monday’s draft as a bona fide midfielder, she isn’t too sure that description is the most accurate of her abilities. “I’ve always valued being quite versatile, while I do enjoy midfield I think naturally I’m a halfback at heart, I’ve always really enjoyed that position,” she said. “Also the wing is something that I’ve spent a bit of time doing and I really do enjoy that

26 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 December, 2023

as well. But I value versatility so I think any of those positions my skills can translate across.” Like many other girls in the same position as Whiley she has opted into the national draft, declaring she would be grateful to land at any of the 18 clubs in the competition. “A lot can be said for that independence and my parents have always been very supportive so I know that it still won’t be too far and they’re just a phone call away,” she said. “I still feel very supported if my name happens to get called for a team interstate.”

The wet weather again played havoc with the cricket on Saturday. The Ballarat, Victorian Turf and Victorian Sub-District competitions were all called off on Saturday morning, with heavy rain on Friday and Saturday morning. All three competitions are scheduled for this Saturday, the final day of play before the Christmas break. All three competition’s matches on Saturday will be one-dayers.

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Bacchus Marsh keeps rolling on in division 2 Bacchus Marsh continued on its winning ways in the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant division 2, section 1 competition on Saturday. While the rest of the games in the section were washed out, Bacchus Marsh was able to take to the greens against Buckley Park. Bacchus Marsh controlled three of the four rinks and was able to win the fourth in close one, to win, 80 (18)-48 (0). Glenn Sargent’s rink had an 18-16 win, Phil Minniti’s rink won 25-9, Justin Webster’s rink had a 20-11 win and Matthew Young’s rink won 17-12. Minniti and Glenn Arthur sit atop the player ladder, with seven wins and one draw from their eight matches so far. Minniti said the game only just finished with Buckley Park staying on long enough to have enough ends to complete the match. He said they expected to have a strong season having come back down from division

1 after last season. “The top side are doing really well,” he said. “We replaced the players we lost after last season with players of similar ability. “There’s definitely a gap in the quality of opposition between division 1 and division 2.” Minniti said the aim was always to get straight back up to the higher grade. “Not to be a smartass, but looking at the draw we thought we would be on at least par, better than half the sides coming down from division 1. “We thought we would finish in the top four and then once you make finals, it’s a different ball game.” The win and the other teams having to share the points, resulted in Bacchus Marsh extending its lead at the top of the table. Bacchus Marsh is now 24 points clear of Deer Park 2 and 32 clear of third placed Werribee. Bacchus Marsh plays Deer Park 2 on Saturday

in the final round before the Christmas break. Minniti said they were looking forward to the challenge in the top of the table clash. He said their other sides were having good seasons, with the second side sitting in the top four, while their division 3 side has been unlucky with results. In division 2, section 2, Melton also continued its good form with a 75 (15)-67 (3) win against Moonee Ponds. Todd Trewarne’s rink won 22-11 and Todd Blackburn’s won 19-18. Chris Barritt-Eyles rink finished 17-apiece, while Flynn O’Shaughnessy’s rink lost 21-17. Melton remains well clear at the top of the table, sitting 32 points clear of Essendon 2. Melton faces Thornbury this Saturday. Melton’s division 2, section 1 team didn’t get on. Tara Murray

Glen Arthur (Ljubica Vrankovic)

New divisions confirmed

New Western Rams coach Ash Pritchard. (Supplied)

Rams voted into WRFL By Harper Sercombe The Western Rams are the Western Region Football League’s newest side. WRFL clubs voted at its annual general meeting on Tuesday night to decide the fate of the struggling Rockbank-based team. Member clubs of the league officially voted in the Rams which will enter both their football and netball operations into the league. The club hasn’t won a senior football game since 2018 which prompted decision makers at the club to question whether it should seek an exit from the Riddell District Football League in October. Rams’ president Stephan Lalli-Cafini said to be officially a part of the WRFL is a relief. “It was a late decision to go but it was still two to three months of really, really hard work and close work with the WRFL,” he said. “As soon as we got that nod it was certainly a weight of the shoulders. “We’re super excited, we’ve been preparing as if we were going into the WRFL, we were uncertain about our future in the RDFL, player wise. “So we went out and went hard to retain as many players as possible, but in saying that when speaking to new recruits it was based on going to the WRFL because it wasn’t worth saying we might go.

“It was here’s your contract, it’s a WRFL contract, if it doesn’t work out then you’re free to go and explore options elsewhere. “So it’s definitely a lot less stressful now knowing that all the players are locked in.” Lalli-Cafini said it is a bonus that the club has been able to gather enough numbers for two football sides for next year, something that he said they were confident of being able to do. “We were confident that we would gather interest if we moved to the WRFL, now we’re there we’re confident that two teams and two really competitive teams, is what we’re after this year,” he said. “It’s a year to build and a year to see where we’re at in our first year of divisional football since 1999. “It’ll give us an opportunity to see where we are at as a club and where we need to improve going forward.” WRFL chief executive David Jennings welcomed the Western Rams and thanked the RDFNL and AFL Victoria for their collaboration and support in the application. “We have worked closely with the RDFNL and diligently with the Western Rams over the past two months on their application to join the WRFL and we are now delighted to welcome the club to league,” he said. “The Western Rams are a family club with a proud one-hundred-year history, and we

are pleased with an outcome that will ensure the Club has a long-term football and netball future with the WRFL”. RDFNL chief executive Jordan Doyle said he was pleased to see the club find a new home and continue their club’s rich history. ‘’After two months of discussions with the Western Rams FNC Committee and the WRFL, the RDFNL are pleased that the Western Rams FNC have a future in the WRFL for 2024 and the club leaves the RDFNL with our very best wishes for their short and long term future,” he said. “The Rams committee outlined to the RDFNL in early October, that their netball program in 2024 would be a diminished version of what it had been previously and that the club was in no position to field the four mandatory teams that make up the football-netball competition. “With that information and considering how strong the Rams’ netball program had been, the decision to move to the WRFL was somewhat of a logical one considering the struggles of the football teams over a long period of time. “With that said, given the club’s on field battles in football and minimal netball prospects for 2024, the league was in full support of this move and the club leaves with the league’s best wishes.”

The Western Region Football League has confirmed its divisional changes for the 2024 season. Following the WRFL review into the structure of its senior football program, and the successful application from the Western Rams to join the WRFL, the league’s board has ratified changes for the upcoming season. As reported by Star Weekly, 2023’s division 2 premiers Parkside is moving to division 1 to make that a nine-team competition. This will be stage one of a two-year process to form a division 1 ten-team competition. Next year’s division 2 premiers will be promoted into division 1 with no relegation out of division 1 to happen next season. All division 3 clubs and the Western Rams will be moved into division 2. WRFL clubs voted at its annual general meeting on December 5 to decide the fate of the former Riddell District Football Netball League club. Member clubs of the WRFL officially voted in the Rams which will enter both their football and netball operations into the league. WRFL chief executive David Jennings welcomed the Western Rams and thanked the RDFNL and AFL Victoria for their collaboration and support in the application. “We have worked closely with the RDFNL and diligently with the Western Rams over the past two months on their application to join the WRFL and we are now delighted to welcome the Club to League,” he said in a statement. Glen Orden is also set to make its return to the WRFL with the league revealing them as one of 15 teams in its division 2 for 2024. The Hawks will return to the competition after failing to put out a senior or reserves side for the 2023 season. Next season’s division 1 teams will be Werribee Districts, Point Cook, Altona, Yarraville Seddon Eagles, Caroline Springs, Spotswood, Point Cook Centrals, Hoppers Crossing and Parkside. While division 2 will consist of Albion, Newport, Sunshine, Wyndhamvale, North Footscray, Braybrook, Suns, Albanvale, Sunshine Heights, West Footscray, Tarneit, Laverton Magpies, Glen Orden, North Sunshine and Western Rams.

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